Planet Finance France

Among the poorest of the socio-economic groups in Israel are the Bedouins. Despite the Negev Desert and the surrounding area accounting for the sunniest parts of Israel and having thus become the centre of the Israeli solar industry, 80,000 Bedouins in the Negev are still without access to the national electricity grid or any other form of clean energy source, forcing them to supply their homes with limited, expensive and dirty energy via family or clan-owned diesel generators.

While aspiring to acquire solar panels, which after the acquisition allow for virtually free energy, Bedouin are, due to a number of reasons, among which the lack of collaterals, barred from obtaining bank loans for the investment in solar equipment.

By developing and offering the Bedouin adapted financial services, PlaNet Finance Israel's Solar Energy for the Bedouin project aims to provide the Bedouin access to renewable, clean and cost-effective energy solutions, thus improving their economic, health and environmental living conditions.

Moreover, the project's unique combination of microfinance and carbon credit subsidies through the displacement of currently operated diesel generators enables poverty stricken Bedouin populations to invest in sustainable equipment without further burdening their household budget.

The project's objectives are:

• To reduce the environmental impact of fossil energies by promoting renewable energies and offering greenhouse gas emission reduction incentive schemes.

• To replace the polluting diesel operated generators used by the beneficiaries and their families by solar technology improving their health and socio-economic conditions.

• To develop and set up financial solutions that allow the beneficiaries to invest in sustainable equipment, reduce household expenses and increase saving opportunities.

• To raise end users', their families' and the village inhabitants' awareness on public health, renewable energies and microfinance through trainings provided by the project partners.

 Download CN Solar Energy for the Bedouin